Designing cost-saving environmental systems with Vector Aerospace

Vector Aerospace is a global leader in aerospace maintenance, repairing and overhauling turbine engines, components, and fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. SUEZ recycling and recovery UK has provided waste and resource management services to Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services at its site in Fleetlands, Hampshire, since September 2008.

SUEZ provides various services tailored to the needs and schedules of the Fleetlands site. Our team manages general waste collections and caters for segregated material streams, such as glass and wood – all with minimal impact on day-to-day operations.

Due to the nature of the activities carried out at the site, some materials are classified as hazardous waste and require separate disposal at specialised licensed facilities. These include cloths impregnated with chemicals, as well as aerosols, cans and other containers with residues of paint, adhesives, varnishes and resins.

Previously, these different waste types and containers had been collected together for disposal. This required weekly collections from site, increasing the cost of the service.

Our solution

SUEZ designed a new, more cost-effective regime for hazardous waste, and guided Vector Aerospace on establishing a suitable internal bin arrangement, which makes it easier for its staff to segregate materials as part of a ‘right waste, right place’ approach.

Change management was a key part of the process, as the previous regime had been in place for some time. Education and employee engagement, which are a crucial part of the SUEZ service, were essential.

The results

By implementing a system for separating the different materials at source, the following benefits were achieved:

The frequency of collections decreased significantly – from every seven working days to 12 or 13 , and is expected to fall further.

There has been a related reduction in service’s carbon footprint due to reduced transportation.

Waste segregation ensured the optimal treatment (including recycling where relevant) for the different material streams.

Segregation has also increased the visibility of individual waste streams, informing procurement decisions.

Treatment and disposal costs have reduced by more than 50%.

These outcomes were achieved through close working and a clear understanding of the processes. SUEZ created a bespoke solution for Vector Aerospace and supported the site’s management and waste operatives in implementing the new process and bringing about behavioural change.

We continue to enjoy a good relationship with SUEZ – we have worked well together for many years.

By providing us with an effective waste and resource management service, it has contributed to our corporate priority to be good neighbours, as well as assisting us in our aim to achieve continuous environmental improvement. We look forward to working together in the future on new ideas and processes to achieve cost savings, waste prevention and minimisation and ongoing reduction in non-recyclable waste.